Dawgs By Nature
The Cleveland Browns and their fans need the 2025 and 2026 NFL draft classes to turn out to be the foundation of the great turnaround that the team has needed for decades. While some may have used the fifth overall pick on a different position, after the Travis Hunter trade, the Browns ‘25 draft class has done its part. Cleveland has acquired starters DT Mason Graham, LB Carson Schwesinger, RB Quinshon Judkins and TE Harold Fannin Jr.
RB Dylan Sampson looks like he could be a rotational back while the jury is out on Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel.
Including two first-rounders, the Browns are scheduled to have 10 picks in the upcoming 2026 NFL draft, but a few of the best from The Ohio State Buckeyes will not be available, right when the team up I-71 could use them. QB Julian Sayin is the betting favorite for the Heisman Trophy while WR Jeremiah Smith is in the Top 10, with many believing he is the best player in all of college football.
Neither will be eligible for the 2026 NFL draft, with the earliest they could declare being in 2027. For a Cleveland team desperate for both a talented quarterback and a dominant wide receiver, it becomes easy to feel like they have their two first-round picks a year too early. It is similar to the last two seasons. In the 2024 NFL draft, Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye were the first three picks. In the 2025 NFL draft, with the Browns selecting second overall, just one quarterback was worthy of being selected near the top.
There is still Buckeye talent that will be available and worthy of being drafted in this year’s draft. DB Caleb Downs, WR Carnell Tate and LB/DE Arvell Reese could all be Top 10-15 selections. While all very good prospects, Smith is in a class of his own, and the quarterback position is just that much more important than any other on the field.
A year too late, then a year too early. A potential for more pain for Cleveland fans unless the front office gets it right in the upcoming NFL draft.
